Diet and Medication Instructions

  • Do not eat anything after midnight prior to your surgery. No gum, candy, mints or ice. No herbal supplements for two weeks prior to surgery unless your MD says otherwise.
  • Bring a list of your medications with doses on the day of surgery.
  • Bring all of your home meds if staying overnight. Tylenol is OK.
  • If you take Lantus or Levemir for diabetes, take a half dose on the night before surgery.
  • If on an insulin pump, decrease your basal rate in half on the morning of your surgery. Do not take any diabetic medications on the day of surgery.
  • Avoid over-the-counter medicationscontaining aspirin for two weeks before surgery.
  • Follow your doctor’s instructions about whether or not to continue blood thinners such as Plavix, Coumadin, etc.
  • Follow bowel-prep instructions as given by the office.
  • Stop taking any diet pills for two weeks prior to surgery. Tell your nurse if you have been taking diet pills.
  • Stop NSAIDS one week prior to surgery (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Advil, Aleve, and Excedrin). If you use a rescue inhaler, bring it with you on the day of surgery.

General Surgery Instructions

  • Do not wear jewelry, lotion, powder, or oil on the day of surgery. No makeup, fingernail polish, or acrylic nails.
  • Remove all piercing and body jewelry prior to surgery.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
  • If you use a CPAP machine, please bring itif you are staying overnight.
  • Remove contacts, glasses, dentures and hearing aids prior to surgery.
  • Bring a copy of your living will and/or power of attorney. Advance directive forms are available at
  • Bring a responsible adult to drive you home. (Surgery will be cancelled otherwise).
  • Leave all valuables at home. If you are told to bring a co-pay, bring only that amount.
  • If your doctor has ordered a colon prep, follow instructions given by the office.
  • Bring your parking stub to be stamped/validated[TR1].
  • Bring a photo ID and insurance card with you.
  • You may brush your teeth on the day of surgery.
  • If leaving with a cast/brace, please wear proper clothes (shorts, dresses, shirts).

Instructions for Your Day of Surgery at Erlanger East

  • If you fail to follow these instructions, your surgery may be delayed or cancelled. You will be notified by the day before if there is a change to your surgery time.
  • If you are unable to come to your surgery, please call 423-778-8800.
  • Erlanger East surgery registration is at the main entrance off of Crane Road. Turn onto Crane Road from Gunbarrel Road across from the Spine Center and Target.
  • You will need to provide a urine specimen on the day of your procedure. Please check with the staff if you need to urinate prior to being assigned a room.

[TR1]Isn’t it free parking at East?